Just thought I’d pass this tidbit along…
Doubt it matters in Mitchell’s case, but who knows with regard to the others?
Daily Archives: December 16, 2022
Stay classy, Vol fans.
I recognize that’s a tall order.
Filed under Because Nothing Sucks Like A Big Orange, Stylin'
More and more, it’s looking like…
The Athletic has followed up on Brett McMurphy’s report earlier by reporting that there are serious ongoing discussions between the relevant parties about Oklahoma and Texas leaving the Big 12 for the SEC by 2024 ($$).
If you’re looking for something that may be greasing the skids for that to happen, look no further than this note.
… SEC schools made $54.6 million in conference revenue last year compared with $42.6 million for Big 12 schools, and that number will increase with the new ESPN deal. And the SEC is attempting to renegotiate that deal to an even higher number, the SEC administrator said, as it was completed before Texas and Oklahoma signed on, and because it will likely soon go from eight to nine conference games.
Now, yes, “attempting” is likely doing some heavy lifting there, but I don’t doubt that Sankey is serious about getting Mickey to up the ante. It’s the “from eight to nine conference games” that really intrigues me, though. If ESPN throws more money in the till for that prospect, does that shut down the status quo proponents for good?
Filed under Big 12 Football, ESPN Is The Devil, SEC Football
Moar film study from the enemy
From Land-Grant Holy Land, a look at Georgia’s passing game, focusing on Stetson Bennett:
The Georgia Bulldogs are a team built on the backs of five-star recruits, making them incredibly hard to underestimate. At one key position though, they have a constantly overlooked star who is the engine of the entire Georgia offense. That player is Stetson Bennett IV, the quarterback whose story has been told time and time again since he became entrenched as a starter.
Bennett’s pathway to get to where he’s at is part of why opposing fans still overlook the undersized signal-caller. Coming in at a generous 5-foot-11 and an even more generous 195 pounds. His size is not ideal. But he makes up for it with a natural ability to extend plays as well as surprising arm strength.
Georgia’s passing offense is not solely reliant on their unheralded quarterback. They have dynamic tight ends and receivers who do their job well. Offensive coordinator Todd Monken has knack for drawing his players open with horizontal crosses and a play-action passing game. Once the group lulls opponents to sleep, they take shots downfield.
For Ohio State to limit the Bulldogs’ offense, containing Bennett to the pocket is the first place to start. If pressure is brought, making sure rush lanes are maintained is key. If the coverage downfield breaks down and the rush doesn’t get home – which has been a problem for the Buckeyes – Bennett has all the talent to beat them.
One thing I like about that post in particular is that it highlights Georgia’s performance in the Tennessee game, given that UT is the SEC team most like OSU.
They conclude by noting that they didn’t discuss the tight ends, because no one underestimates Georgia’s tight ends. If you’re looking for something to fill in that particular gap, this Eleven Warriors post should do the trick.
The versatility of these two all-conference tight ends is the foundation of the 2022 Georgia offense. Coordinator Todd Monken keeps both on the field on most occasions and moves the two all over the field.
That movement is often dynamic as well, as the Bulldogs use pre-snap shifts, trades, and motions on nearly every single play. Very often, they will line up in one formation before shifting to another and quickly snapping the ball.
As a former NFL assistant, Monken rarely speaks publicly about his scheme, either to the media or at coaching clinics. However, it’s apparent that the goal of all this pre-snap movement is to force defenses into thinking and communicating, rather than just lining up and reacting.
Lots of good stuff in both posts. Take a look.
Filed under Georgia Football, Strategery And Mechanics, The Blogosphere
New kids on the block
Nine new faces will appear at Georgia’s Monday practice.
Georgia has already begun preparations for No. 4 Ohio State in the College Football Playoff Semifinal. Starting next week they’ll have more bodies to work with on the practice field as nine early enrollees will begin practicing with the team.
Four of the newcomers will be on the offensive side of the ball and they’re all pass catchers. Four-star tight end Lawson Luckie, a UGA legacy, is in that group. It also includes a trio of four-star wideouts in Tyler Williams, Anthony Evans, and Yazeed Haynes.
The other five are on the defensive side of the ball. The group is heavy with linebackers. Four-star defensive lineman Jamal Jarrett and five-star cornerback A.J. Harris are the non-linebackers. Outside linebacker Gabriel Harris and inside linebackers CJ Allen and Raylen Wilson, all four-star prospects, round out the group.
Those players will have to go through two helmets-only practices as part of the NCAA-mandated acclimation period before they’ll be allowed to practice in shoulder pads. They will not be allowed to practice with the team once Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl activities begin.
Nothing like getting a little taste of what’s to come…
Filed under Georgia Football, Recruiting
“But we won’t let them.”
Shot.
Buster Faulkner already has been out on the road recruiting for Georgia Tech, but his tenure as an offensive analyst for the Georgia Bulldogs isn’t necessarily over just yet.
Faulkner was hired last week by new Yellow Jackets coach Brent Key as offensive coordinator. Speaking with reporters at his Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl news conference Wednesday, Georgia coach Kirby Smart was asked if Faulkner was still performing his duties with the Bulldogs.
“We’re going to determine that probably at a later date,” Smart said. “(I’m) still in conversation with Buster and Brent. It’s not something that’s pressing right now because he doesn’t really need to do anything at practice.”
Peeps, we have been warned.
Filed under Georgia Football, Georgia Tech Football
“We are to have a trial over whether or not student-athletes are actually employees.”
Life comes at you fast, Charlie Baker.
The National Labor Relations Board’s Los Angeles Region plans to pursue unfair labor practice charges against USC, the Pac-12 and the NCAA as single and joint employers of FBS football players and Division I men’s and women’s basketball players.
The National College Players Association announced the move 10 months after filing the charge with the NLRB office. The NCPA’s goal is to affirm employee status for Division I basketball players, men and women, as well as FBS football players. The announcement makes public a story published last week from Sportico.
A ruling is still many months away, but the NLRB’s latest move, while expected, is a giant leap forward in the fight to have college athletes become employees. USC, the Pac-12 and NCAA will likely soon stand trial to fight the charge, legal experts say.
Yes, the NLRB only has jurisdiction over private employers, but…
The NLRB only has jurisdiction over private employers, but (NLRB general counsel Jennifer) Abruzzo has argued that conferences and the NCAA are joint employers of athletes and that the NLRB’s jurisdiction could thus expand to all schools.
If the NLRB and the courts buy that argument, the amateurism party is over for good. And before you protest, keep in mind it’s not the schools that negotiate deals with Mickey and Fox. It’s the conferences and the NCAA. If there’s one rule to follow when it comes to college sports, it’s follow the money. Stay tuned. It’s likely to be a wild ride for Charlie.
Filed under See You In Court, The NCAA
SEC portal update
This continues to amuse the hell out of me.
Somebody needs to explain to me how Florida’s gonna take the next step in 2023.
Filed under SEC Football, Transfers Are For Coaches.
A seamless transition
Just a reminder that, while the NCAA has a new president, he answers to the same old people:
Although he’s more glib about that than Emmert.
Filed under The NCAA
Get The Picture 
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